IRGC Navy Strikes Togo-Flagged Tanker Over Alleged Illegal Strait of Hormuz Transit Attempt

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy said the Togo-flagged oil tanker *Trend* was hit and stopped after a fire broke out on board while it was allegedly attempting to pass illegally through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued Thursday night, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Azmaei said the tanker attempted to pass through the strategic waterway the previous night at the urging of, and after being misled by, the “child-killing U.S. military.”

The statement said the IRGC Navy and Islamic forces continue to assert control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and prevent hostile vessels from passing through.

The IRGC Navy said the Trend was struck and halted after a fire broke out onboard.

The force again warned that any illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz would result only in the destruction of the offending vessel.

The statement began with the phrase “In the name of God, the Subduer of the Tyrants” and addressed the “great and honorable people of Islamic Iran.” It said their “epic presence in the field” had continued for more than 200 consecutive nights. The commander said the nationwide mobilization was strengthening Iran’s armed forces as they defended the country’s maritime rights.

Iran has enforced a new order in the Strait of Hormuz for months following what it describes as unprovoked U.S.-Israeli aggression that began in late February.

Under the arrangement, commercial vessels may travel only along routes designated by the Islamic Republic after securing authorization and coordinating with the IRGC Navy. Transit outside those routes is prohibited. The IRGC has repeatedly said that any alternative corridor announced without coordination with Tehran would be unacceptable and dangerous.

Rear Admiral Azmaei said the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz had been kept free of U.S. forces and other adversaries through the efforts of Iranian sailors and support from the Iranian people.

He said the waterway remained under Iranian intelligence surveillance and effective control, warning that any hostile or unauthorized movement would be targeted.

The latest incident follows a recurring pattern: vessels that disregard IRGC warnings, comply with U.S. military instructions or attempt to navigate undeclared and unsafe routes have been turned back, struck or otherwise intercepted.

The IRGC Ground Force commander warned that Iran would respond “decisively” to any enemy miscalculation, saying acts of aggression would draw a strong retaliatory response.

The IRGC Navy said guidance issued by the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy would not go unanswered, urging shipping companies and insurers to disregard the directives.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial energy corridor. Iran has repeatedly said it does not seek to close the waterway, but insists that security, coordination and respect for its sovereign rights are non-negotiable following months of aggression, blockades and efforts by outside powers to impose terms on the region.

The IRGC Navy said vessels complying with Iranian regulations would be granted safe passage, while those that fail to do so could face consequences similar to those imposed on the Trend.